Hull FC v Rhinos: Teams

Hull FC coach Richard Agar has been forced to make two changes to his 19-man squad for Saturday's clash with the Super League champions.

Full-back Motu Tony has undergone surgery on his ankle following an infection, which is believed to have been caused by an insect bite.

Ewan Dowes has also been ruled out by a calf injury, meaning youngsters Josh Hodgson and Dominic Maloney come into the party, with either Chris Thorman or Richard Horne expected to fill in for the Samoan at full-back.

The Airlie Birds are on a bad run of form in Super League, having won just once - at home to Salford on June 19 - since the Millennium Magic weekend back at the start of May.

They lost 46-16 to the Rhinos at the end of May and a 24-12 reversal at Warrington last time out has left Agar's side in need of a lift.

They have slipped out of the play-off places, though level on points with Wigan, and know every game from here on in could be crucial.

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In contrast, Leeds Rhinos have won their last three on the bounce, easing out Bradford 33-20 last time out, and they sit second in the standings.

Coach Brian McClennan will instil in his team the belief that they can still steal top spot from St Helens, despite the current four-point gap, and will want to win every game from here on in.

The Rhinos will have to cope without full-back Brent Webb, though, because of a neck injury sustained in the win over the Bulls.

But the experienced Matt Diskin is back to fitness and is joined by young centre Mike Ratu, who is recalled after impressing in the reserves.

Keith Senior is poised to make the 500th appearance of his career, meanwhile, and will no doubt be out to impress.

Hull FC squad: Berrigan, Broughton, Burnett, G. Horne, R Horne, Yeaman, Raynor, Radford, Tickle, Thorman, Lee, Houghton, Moa, Maloney, Hodgson, King, Manu, Thackray, Whiting.

Leeds Rhinos squad: Donald, Smith, Senior, Hall, McGuire, Burrow, Leuluai, Buderus, Peacock, Jones-Buchanan, Lauitiiti, Sinfield, Diskin, Bailey, Ablett, Burgess, Gibson, Worrall, Ratu.